How to Clean Keycaps

Co-authored by Kadi Dulude

Last Updated: March 31, 2021 References

If you spend a lot of time at a computer, you may have noticed that your keyboard doesn’t look as clean as it did when you first started using it. Dust, food particles, and oils from your fingers may have left the keys looking pretty grimy. If you’re using a mechanical keyboard, it might be time to remove the keycaps and give them a good clean. With just some soaking, rinsing, and drying, you can get your keyboard looking fresh again.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:
Removing the Keycaps

1
Take a photo of your keyboard so you remember where the keys go. You don’t want to forget this layout once you’re ready to put the keycaps back on.
- If you're not able to take your own photo, look up an online image of a similar keyboard so you know where everything goes. ^{[1]
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2
Unplug the keyboard from the computer. If you have a newer computer, it's probably plugged into a USB port. ^{[2]
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Research source} If it's an older computer, look for the purple-colored connector called a PS/2. ^{[3]
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- If the keyboard is plugged into a PS/2 port, make sure to shut down your computer before unplugging it. ^{[4]
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3
Use a wire keycap puller to remove the keycaps. This is safer than using a tool like a screwdriver. Wire keycap pullers are less likely to scratch the keys than plastic ones. ^{[5]
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Research source} They have a handle and two wire loops, and are simple to use.
- You can find inexpensive options on sites like Amazon.
- Place the wire loops opposite each other diagonally on the key and gently wiggle back and forth while pulling up.
4
Avoid removing large keycaps. This includes the spacebar, enter, and shift. These keys may have wires to stabilize them, making them more difficult to remove.
- You can dampen a microfiber cloth to wipe the keycaps you don’t remove. ^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:
Leaving the Keycaps to Soak

1
Place the keycaps in a bowl of warm water. Don’t make the water too hot. ^{[7]
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Research source} You can also add a couple of denture tablets to the bowl to help remove oils from the keycaps.
- Dish soap is another option, but it can be harder to rinse away. ^{[8]
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- Do not use bleach, as it can fade plastics. ^{[9]
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2
Let the keycaps soak for 6 hours. You can use some of this time to clean the keyboard itself by shaking it out over a trash can. Loosen up stubborn gunk with a stiff-bristle brush or Q-tip.
- Avoid the switch stems when brushing. This will keep particles from becoming lodged too deep.
- Use a handheld vacuum to suck up loose debris. ^{[10]
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3
Rinse the keycaps in the sink. Make sure you get any residue from the denture cleaner or dish soap off the keys. You can use a strainer for this step.
- If there’s still some grime on any of the keycaps, use a toothbrush to scrub it off. ^{[11]
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4
Leave the keycaps out to air dry. Make sure you lay the the keycaps stem up while they dry, so the water can evaporate. ^{[12]
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- You may want to leave them out for 24 hours, to make sure they’re completely dry and won’t damage your computer.
- Don’t use a paper towel to dry the keycaps, as this can scratch the surface and leave particles behind. ^{[13]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:
Putting the Keycaps Back

1
Match the placement of the keycaps to the photo of your keyboard. Make sure you put all the keys back carefully in their proper places and facing the correct direction.
- To pop the keycaps back on, just push them straight down over the switch. ^{[14]
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2
Reattach the keyboard to the computer. If you have a PS/2 connector, remember to match up the color (usually purple) to the correct port.
- Turn your computer back on if it's shut down.
- Now your keyboard is clean and ready to use.
3
Clean your keyboard regularly without removing the keycaps. You can do this once a week or whenever things are starting to look dirty. Use a handheld vacuum or a damp microfiber cloth. Dry it off with another cloth, not a paper towel. ^{[15]
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- Make sure the keyboard is unplugged before you clean it.
- If you prefer, you can use a cleaning wipe. ^{[16]
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- You can also use hydrogen peroxide to quickly disinfect your key caps.^{[17]
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  Kadi Dulude. Cleaning Expert.}
4
Avoid eating or drinking near your keyboard. This will prevent crumbs and other build-up, so you won't have to clean the keycaps as often.
- Keeping drinks away from your keyboard will also prevent damaging spills. ^{[18]
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